I'm afraid to say it is technically illegal. Refer to The Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2000 where this was first enacted in the UK. This enables application of the EEC Directive 95/56/EC.

It is rarely enforced (or even known about) but this first came to my attention last year when I purchased a new Triumph motorcycle. This had a factory fitted alarm (supplied by a well respected company called DATATOOL) that beeped when it counted down to when the alarm was to armed when the key was taken out of the ignition. I got a pull from a police motorcyclist who was parked up next to me at Hastings seafront one day - he told me it was illegal but only gave me a verbal warning. I couldn't believe it so contacted DATATOOL who confirmed that plod was correct and that it was illegal, and that this is covered specifically by their user manual - when I read it carefully they were correct.

I also understand that if we harmonise with the EU on the 2 year MOT test malarkey this might become an MOT failure as it technically contravenes Construction & Use Regulations.

Its intended to cut down noise pollution (especially at night).

i didnt not believe you by the way if thats how it came accross, i was just thinking it does seem a bit OTT. When cars are going past with stupidly loud exhausts but a beep to know if its locked or not is illegal? One of those things hey, surely that company shouldnt supply an alarm like it if its illegal?

i didnt not believe you by the way if thats how it came accross, i was just thinking it does seem a bit OTT. When cars are going past with stupidly loud exhausts but a beep to know if its locked or not is illegal? One of those things hey, surely that company shouldnt supply an alarm like it if its illegal?

Don't worry I didn't take it amiss. I know some may think it bizzare, but then thats the EU for you. Alarms should now be supplied with this feature specifically disabled within the EU, but I think its perfctly legit to enable it in other (non EU) overseas markets. So thats why the feature is there.

Edited 18 August, 201015 yr by Minimoke

mines bleeps once on locking

twice on unlocking

and twice when you pop the boot

i kinda like it.... gets people looking

also the two button door unlock is the biggest pain in the a55 ever

Alarms should now be supplied with this feature specifically disabled within the EU, but I think its perfctly legit to enable it in other (non EU) overseas markets.

The alarm fitted to my motorbike in July 2010 chirps exactly as fully described in the manual and there's nothing in the manual to suggest they can be turned off.

Addendum - it appears the directive quoted may not apply to vehicles with less than 4 wheels...

"The directive applies to vehicles defined as "any vehicle intended for use on the road, being complete or incomplete, having at least four wheels and a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h, and its trailers, with the exception of vehicles which run on rails and of agricultural and forestry tractors and all mobile machinery". Vehicles outside of this definition do not have to comply with directive 95/56/EC, but it can be considered as reasonable guidance for their security systems."

Edited 18 August, 201015 yr by DRJ

also the two button door unlock is the biggest pain in the a55 ever

I love it......... i drive the car..... its mine...... i get in first......

mines bleeps once on locking

twice on unlocking

and twice when you pop the boot

i kinda like it.... gets people looking

also the two button door unlock is the biggest pain in the a55 ever

the 2 click unlock is a pain i agree.First thing i turned off with vcds!

You can also alter the demist (heating) activation time on the rear screen and mirrors!

Rear screen set to 20mins from factory

Mirrors set to infinate from factory

You can also alter the demist (heating) activation time on the rear screen and mirrors!

Rear screen set to 20mins from factory

Mirrors set to infinate from factory

Well I never.

I'd quite like to stiffen my steering, one press to fully unlock,

put a ten minute limit on the mirrors and activate alarm chirp.

Apart from that I'm happy with everything else

You can also change the number of indicator clicks in one touch mode, if your electronics ecu supports it.

What happend to the list

Please update from this list if possible.

Credit to the posts above, im just tidying it.

List so far...

~ Anti Car jack - All doors lock when the car goes over 10kph (iirc)

~ 2 Touch unlock - One press of the unlock key unlocks drivers door, 2 does all

~ PAS level change - Change the PAS level 1-5

~ Alarm 'Blip' - Makes the Bleep loud when you lock the car (illegal apparently - noise pollution )

~ Alarm blip - makes a double bleep when the car is unlocked (same as above )

~ Turn down and almost disable EGR

~ Activate/deactivate cruise control

~ One-touch indicators (also the number of clicks before return) [Dependent on ECU]?

~ Tear wipe (one more wipe after a few seconds)

~ You can also alter the demist (heating) activation time on the rear screen and mirrors! [Rear screen set to 20mins from factory, Mirrors set to infinate from factory]

Maybes..

~ Maxidot language (?) "The display of text is possible in the following languages:

Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese.

You can have the relevant language set by a specialist garage."

~ Airbag deactivation (?) "There is the technical means installed within your vehicle to switch off the front passenger airbag or side airbag (take out of commission). This is why you should have the deactivation of the airbags carried out by a specialist garage."

So my question is, is it simply anyone who has vag com can find/activate these features or does it need experimenting?

Edited 19 August, 201015 yr by JLneonhug

I'm not sure.. and it;s never been fully answered.. but once upon a time it was muted that the side lights could be instructed to run as DRL on the front only as per a European options catalog that surfaced?

~ Maxidot language (?) "The display of text is possible in the following languages:

Czech, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese.

You can have the relevant language set by a specialist garage."

Sorry ....... can i just stop you there............ Maxidot on a Mk1 Fabia?

Only if it had the factory satnav. Only a handful (as in count on two hands) are around that the forum is aware of in the UK. People have tried retro-fit, but I don't think it ever worked 100%. wja96 got the closest to succes IIRC.

Maybe more common on the continent, but not sure.

Sorry ....... can i just stop you there............ Maxidot on a Mk1 Fabia?

Yes - as noted it comes with the Sat Nav - here's the excerpt from the 2005 brochure:

5 The navigation system can prove to be invaluable. To direct

you to your chosen destination, it gives both voice and visual

information including directions, remaining length of trip,

estimated time of arrival and more. The data appears both

on the navigation screen and on the Maxi-DOT display. The

system also includes a radio/CD player.

NB - When Navigation is being used, integrated CD player

cannot be used. 6 CD autochanger is recommended.

Optional on Ambiente, Elegance and vRS.

6 The Maxi-DOT screen gives you constantly updated

information including number of kilometres driven and

external temperature. Available with Satellite Navigation

system (optional on Ambiente, Elegance and vRS).

Cost £1800 + £275 for the changer...

Can the time delay on the rear wiper be altered? Either via Vagcom or otherwise? I'd like it operating less frequently...

Can the time delay on the rear wiper be altered? Either via Vagcom or otherwise? I'd like it operating less frequently...

i'm hearing that one.. Only useful at it's default in heavy rain.. and even then only if the rains in the right direction. That said, they probably had to set it for safety, so best visibility in the worse conditions.